Using and Caring For Vintage Patterns (and Pattern Giveaway!)

23 November 2014

Today, one of Flashback Summer's sponsors is here to share her insight on working with vintage patterns and taking care of them, along with offering 3 digital patterns to a lucky winner! (Those details are at the bottom!) This expert is Anna Depew of Mrs. Depew's Vintage Patterns shop!I love her shop. She has an array of notions, books, magazines, and digital patterns that can help you create period-accurate, unique vintage for any decade from the 1910s-60s and later. I myself have used one of her digital patterns and am in the process of creating clothing from another. I appreciate the affordability, as they make rarer patterns accessible at a lower price point!She has some fantastic tips for caring for vintage patterns, and you know she's a trustworthy source! Here's what Anna has to say:1. First things first, when you get that baby home, inventory the pieces! It's a horrible feeling to bring home a treasured pattern, buy fabric, and lay out the pieces, only to realize you're missing a critical piece!2. Make a copy! The pattern tissue is likely to be fragile and pinning to to fabric isn't so good for it. I trace a copy of every vintage pattern I'm getting ready to sew. There will always be fitting to do anyway, and it's much easier to make changes to a copy. Also, you might have paid a pretty penny for that pattern, and you'll want to protect and preserve your investment!3. The same goes for the instructions: make a photo copy and then you can scribble notes, pin fabric samples to it, spill coffee on it, etc. and you won't risk the original.4. If you're working with a non-printed pattern, you might feel like you're being asked to read hieroglyphics instead of grain-line and fold markers. It's a good idea to take a colored pencil and translate these markings before you get started. (Another reason making a copy is a great idea: you can write all over it!)5. Most importantly, make a test version! I have sewn a lot of vintage patterns and there is always something that needs a little changing. Sometimes a seam doesn't match that well (believe it or not, the big pattern companies didn't always test their patterns, especially during WWII!), or maybe you need to make a fit adjustment... a test version is a MUST!GIVEAWAY DETAILSTHIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. THE WINNER WAS ANNOUNCED HERE.As I stated above, this is a giveaway for three digital patterns of your choice from Mrs. Depew Vintage Etsy Shop. This giveaway begins today and ends on November 30 at 12 am, U.S. Central Standard Time.

29 comments

I think right now, because my daughter is especially enamored of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, and has asked me to make her something lovely like Phryne would wear, I would have to pick one of the 1920s dress patterns. I'm having a hard time narrowing it down to just one of them, though!

I've actually been eying some patterns from her store this week. I'd definitely snag a copy of this cute hat pattern if I won: https://www.etsy.com/listing/119756293/vintage-sewing-pattern-1930s-tie-on-sun?ref=favs_view_3

I just ordered some burnout velvet to make a 1920s dress, but have had a hard time choosing a design and pattern...the 1920s Draped Evening Gown would look spectacular in my velvet! https://www.etsy.com/listing/106435011/vintage-sewing-pattern-instructions?ref=shop_home_active_4

So many lovely patterns! I've had my eye on quite a few for *quite* some time, but this 1940s dress (https://www.etsy.com/listing/190890888/vintage-sewing-pattern-1940s-dress-in?ref=shop_home_active_2) is positively dreamy! Definitely one of my favorites.

I love her shop! So many awesome patterns. I have a couple patterns but admit I have not made any of them up yet. I did print one of her bra patterns which looks like it will go together very quickly. Just need to find the right fabric. :)-Emily

I've always wanted to try one of her bra patterns or a swimsuit pattern like 1001 or 1002 or maybe a dress pattern, like 4421 or 3015 or 3005. Or maybe about fifteen other patterns. Mrs. Depew has so many fantastic ones!

I would want to try the 1930s Day Dress (A-1041) or any of the 30s patterns really. I love the style but it is hard to find nice but not expensive pieces since they are getting closer and closer to being considered antiques.

Oh, I love Mrs. Depew's patterns! I've used one of hers to do a bodice for a playsuit, and although I definitely need to refine my pattern skills a bit I'd love to try one of the draft-your-own patterns. I could really use a pair of cigarette pants or a nice 40s style dress, but the pattern that caught my eye first was Depew 4546 for that AMAZING 1940s coat. I want to make one!

Mrs. Depew's patterns are amazing. There is such a great selection, it's so hard to choose. Since I'll be needing a 20's style dress for February, I think I would be really interested in the 1920's Flapper Easy Draped Dress, Depew 3022.

I've always admired Mrs. Depew's Patterns, and to have the opportunity to win not one, but three? Golly! I like Depew 1050B, The French Beret Pattern, and... Depew 9423... though I might change my mind. :)

There were too many to pick from, how could I choose? But I really like the look of "Vintage Sewing Pattern 1940's Peplum Jacket". The shape of the peplum is gorgeous, and I am intrigued by the ruler drafting system. What a lovely giveaway!

I really like all of Mrs. Depew's patterns! I have been really wanting this button-up shirt pattern as it would make a grand wardrobe staple: https://www.etsy.com/listing/130743198/vintage-sewing-pattern-1950s-short?ref=favs_view_5And I also like this dress:https://www.etsy.com/listing/130296207/vintage-sewing-pattern-1950s-dress-with?ref=favs_view_4Thank you for the giveaway Emileigh!

About Me

Hey there! My name is Emileigh, and welcome to Flashback Summer, a vintage lifestyle blog with an intercultural twist! I'm an "old soul" in a twenty-something's body, and I adore exploring cultures, sewing, history, controversial subjects, Nutella, the Air Force, traveling, and learning new things. Feel free to stay a bit and look around!